Marta had been in town a little more than a week now. Keeping her head low, while Abernathy helped her to gather any intel he deemed worth her time. She had visited Cecils bar a few times, coming to the conclusion that he was not a threat. Sheâd poped by the farmers market one day, watching Nero from afar.
He was a confident guy, that much was clear. Whoever came to his stall- man, woman,child received the same focused attention from him. His familiar never went far from him, content to stay under the table and snooze. That was until 2 women showed up. Abernathy had pointed them out at the hotel where they were staying. One of them was part of the family who owned the place. She noticed when they approached the stall Nero changed. Softer mannerisms, lingering glances at the one with tight curly hair.Â
âInterestingâ she whispered. Lia perked up, scenting into the air from her position around Martas shoulder. âI think itâs timeâ she kicked off the oak tree she hid under, and left.Â
âI donât get why youâre dragging me alongâ Cecil whined, forehead resting against the car window. The mention of movie night hadnât thrilled him. But Nero mentioned Abi would also be attending with them. So reluctantly he had agreed. If not just to gossip some more with the new friend.Â
âWinnie is more comfortable around Abi. And Iâll be like a third wheel so consider this a double dateâ Nero chuckled, reaching behind to give Taylor a quick scratch for being such a good boy.
âIâve already dated you once thanks...â Cecil teased. It was short lived though, his interest turning out the window again as they climbed the hill. âYou smell that?â he mumbled, back straightening.Â
Nero opened his window further and sniffed the air. âSmoke?â he questioned.Â
